Saturday, March 17, 2012

"More Alligators"


"More Alligators"
This is an analogy, often stated in business, about how unintended consequences can assume greater importance than the activity originally undertaken.
The entire quote reads like this:

Our mission is to analyze the situation and through foresight and 
advanced planning, avoid or circumvent problems before they arise.
Should the unexpected occur, then our aim is to swiftly and 
efficiently arrive at a workable solution, however, 
"WHEN YOU ARE UP TO YOUR ASS IN ALLIGATORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO 
REMEMBER THAT YOUR INITIAL OBJECTIVE WAS TO DRAIN THE SWAMP." 
 (most people only remember the last part)
I have made a few of these in the past.  I love making them, and people really seem to like them.  A couple of weeks ago I made one and it was sold and out of my studio before I could even get it photographed.

I currently have 4 other works in progress on my studio table, but this one was the first of the bunch to get to the finish line. The wood frame that holds the quote spelled out in scrabble tiles, is collaged and covered in several layers of tissue, bits of text, images and sheet music. Orange chopsticks add a splash of color and a toy rubber alligator finishes the piece. Ready to sit on a desk or hang on a wall.

6 comments:

  1. I love this so much! I remember seeing the entire quote when my dad had his excavation business, and (as a former Military person) he totally identified with the whole idea. You're right, we commonly repeat just the last line, but it's a classic, and I love your interpretation. The scrabble letters are charming.

    Have a great weekend, Rebeca!

    (do you have an outlet to sell your art? I have loved several pieces, but have no idea if I'd be in the financial ballpark...)

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    1. Hi Carole
      thanks so much for stopping by. many years ago, i used to work for a guy that always 'spoke in analogies'. this was one of his favorites.

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  2. You are right. Most people only remember the last part of this quote. Of course, I love it every time you create it, and laugh each time I see it.

    BTW, I am ALWAYS the person BEHIND the camera, not the one in front. Bleubeard will gladly fill the lineup while I gladly stay incognito (grin).

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    1. thank you Elizabeth . . . thanks for stopping by.
      (i will reply to the rest of it via email . . . )

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